Profile Bar Connection System Using Undercut Half-Clamps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing profile rod connection systems are complex and require multiple steps for assembly, making them difficult to secure correctly and limiting the number of cross braces that can be connected to a post.
Innovation Solution
The connection system features half-clamps with undercut formations at their ends, allowing for a self-retaining and secure attachment of profile bars without the need for screw connections, and a clamping device with half-shells that grip the joined ends in a non-positive or positive manner, enabling easy assembly and multiple profile bar connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screw connections are used to attach half-clamps to profile bars, then secure attachment is achieved, but assembly complexity increases and multiple work steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw connection system with a form-fitting undercut mechanism. The undercut projections on the half-clamps engage with corresponding recesses in the profile bar, creating a secure mechanical interlock without requiring screws or additional fastening elements. This substitution eliminates the need for threading operations and multiple assembly steps while maintaining attachment security.
Solution Approach 2:
The undercut formations are designed to automatically engage with the profile bar when the half-clamps are positioned around it. The form-fitting nature of the undercut-projection interface allows the connection to secure itself without additional fastening actions, making the assembly process self-completing and eliminating the need for separate tightening or locking steps.
2Reliability
If traditional clamping devices are used, then single cross brace connection is achieved, but connection versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The half-clamps are designed with undercut formations at both ends, enabling them to serve multiple functions: attaching to the profile bar at one end and connecting to cross braces at the other end. This universal design allows the same component to facilitate various connection configurations including single cross braces, multiple cross braces, corner connections, and crossing points, thereby significantly increasing connection versatility while maintaining stable attachments.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple work steps are required for assembly, then precise positioning is achieved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The undercut formations are pre-configured in the half-clamps during manufacturing with precise geometry that matches the profile bar and cross brace interfaces. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the half-clamps are positioned around the profile bar, the undercut projections automatically align and engage with the corresponding recesses, achieving precise positioning in a single action without requiring multiple adjustment or alignment steps.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a profile bar connection system (10) for connecting at least two profile bars (12, 14) extending approximately perpendicular to each other, having first and second clamp halves (16, 18) that can be connected to each other at the first ends (16a, 18a) and second ends (16b, 18b) thereof, and having a clamping device (20) that can be connected to the first and second clamp halves placed about the first profile bar (12) and holding the second profile bar. In order to produce a profile bar connection system so that the assembly thereof can be performed substantially more simply and safely, said system is implemented such that the first ends (16a, 18a) are interlocked with each other, and the second ends (16b, 18b) are connected to each other by means of the clamping device (20).